Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:80 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider extending the first time buyer's grant to include second-hand houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13039/97]
Written Answers. - Housing Grants.
The new house grant is to assist first time owner occupiers of new houses. Cost implications would rule out extending the grant to first time purchasers of existing houses.
Brendan Kenneally
Ceist:81 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the delay in issuing payment for a first time house buyer's grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13040/97]
There has been no undue delay by the Department in dealing with this case. Since receipt of the new house grant application on 16 October 1996, an inspector of the Department has been unable to find the applicant in occupation of the house when he visited it in December 1996, and by appointment in February 1997 and again on 7 May 1997. A further inspection will be arranged when the applicant confirms that he has occupied the house.
Austin Deasy
Ceist:82 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment when payment of a new house grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford. [13041/97]
The application in this case was received on 17 April 1997. Essential additional documentation, which is necessary to enable the application to be processed further, was recently requested from the applicant and is awaited.